Device for Cleaning a Wet-Shave Razor

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device for cleaning a single-use or multi-use wet-shave razor with a shaving head, consisting of a housing and a rinsing device for rinsing out the shaving head of the wet-shave razor. In accordance with the invention, it is provided that a support and cleaning unit (10) with a support (9) for the shaving head (N2) is provided inside the housing (3), the support and cleaning unit (10) comprising one or more rollers (11) which are arranged on an axis (12) and can be set in rotation in such a way that the impact elements (15) arranged on the circumference of the roller (11) strike the blade/blades (N3) of the shaving head (N2) by the rotation of the roller (11).

The present invention refers to a device for cleaning a wet-shave razoras defined in the preamble of Claim 1.

STATE OF THE ART

Wet-shave razors usually consist of a shaving head and a hand gripelement hinged to the shaving head.

In the case of so-called single-use razors, which are intended fordisposable use only, the hand grip element is usually movably connectedto the shaving head. A special design, especially for multi-use wetrazors, also provides for a flexible, i.e. articulated connectionbetween the hand grip element and the shaving head.

The shaving head itself consists of a housing in which one or more razorblades are arranged parallel to each other. These razor blades arearranged in such a way that the shaving head can be guided over theskin, whereby the hair that reaches underneath the shaving head is cutwhile it is being guided. A first razor blade takes over the first cutto length, whereby the other and the following razor blades areresponsible for a more intensive shave, in which the hair is cut evenfurther or those that have not been caught with the first razor bladeare then regrooved.

Wet shaving razors must be thoroughly cleaned after each use in order toremove the hairs that accumulate between the razor blades and also tobacterially clean the razor. The hair must be removed in order toimprove the shaving result. The more hair there is in the space betweenthe blades, the worse the cutting result will be. This is usually doneunder running water (tap) or in, preferably, heated water, for examplein a container or wash basin. Since the razor blades are very sharp, itis not recommended to stroke the razor blades with your hand. Cleaningcan only be done by moving the razor back and forth in the water orunder the very wide water jets of the tap.

However, the cleaning result is not satisfactory. Instead, a lot ofwater is used and the necessary purpose of completely removing the hairand bacterially cleaning the razor so that it is suitable for use againis not achieved.

However, the user also has the option of using single-use razors morethan once. Again, the razors are cleaned under a jet of water andknocked to remove—at least partially—the hair between the razor blades.

The aforementioned poor cleaning of shaving equipment and razor bladesshortens their service life, so that they have to be replaced after onlya short time or these so-called single-use razors can only be used onemore time, but only to an undesirable level of quality.

For example, EP 1 897 461 A1 describes a device for cleaning a anelectric razor. This electric razor is placed in a cleaning device andthe razor head of the electric razor is sprayed with a cleaning fluid.The cleaning fluid, which is stored in a reservoir in the cleaningdevice, is heated by another device. The shaver head is sprayed by arigidly arranged spraying device. The waste water is collected in awaste water tank.

A device for cleaning wet-shave razors is known from the WO 942260 A1,in which the shaving head of the wet-shave razor is cleaned with a jetof water. The cleaning device is coupled to a water pipe. An appropriatenozzle ensures that the cleaning takes place evenly over the razorblades of the shaving head.

DE 31 42 178 A1 also depicts a device for cleaning wet-shave razors. Italso describes a device in which a water jet tries to clean the razorblades. The addition of cleaning agents is also recommended.

US 2013/0008030 A1 describes a device for cleaning a dry-shave razorsthat is fixed upside down in a bowl with its razor head. After fixing,the dry-shave razor is cleaned by means of wobbling and rinsing.

DE 539 122 describes a cleaning device for wet-shave razors. Thewet-shave razor is guided into a container filled with water and storedin a basket. A cleaning effect is achieved by turning the razor in thedevice.

The Purpose of the Invention

The purpose of this invention is to propose a cleaning device forwet-shave razors which, in comparison with the state of the art,provides a better cleaning effect, taking into account water savings andthe longer life of the razor blades.

The Solution to the Task

The solution to the task is provided by the characteristics of Claim 1.

Advantages of the Invention

The basic idea of the invention for cleaning a shaving head of wet-shaverazors is to provide a device in which dirt particles such as hair,scales, grease particles or the like are automatically removed betweenthe razor blades of the shaving head and at the same time the sharpeningof the razor blades is protected so that they can continue to be used inalmost the same quality.

It has been found that only with a very high level of water consumptioncan a partially satisfactory result be achieved by removing the hairbetween the razor blades. It has also been found that when water isused, detergents must be added to achieve an adequate cleaning result.

However, the invention goes the way of setting the blade or the bladesof the shaving head in motion, preferably in oscillation, andsimultaneously rinsing with water. The vibrations loosen the dirtparticles sticking to the razor blades, so that the dirt particles onlyhave to be removed from the razor blades with little rinsing effortcompared to previously known cleaning processes. There is no need to usechemical cleaning agents.

For this purpose it is inventively provided to provide a housing inwhich at least the shaving head of the wet-shave razor is placed on orin a support and cleaning unit.

In addition to the support for the shearing head, the support andcleaning unit comprises at least one rotating roller which is drivenexternally. Preferably, several rollers are arranged on a common axis.On the circumference of the axis there are beater elements which strikethe blade/blades of the shearing head by rotation. This causes theblade(s) to vibrate. The beater elements can be movable elementsprotruding from the circumference of the roller. Beater elements can besmall lobes, one end of which is captively attached to the roller.

Another design of the roller is that several roller elements arearranged next to each other on one axis. These have a core diameter thatis dimensioned by the axis. On the circumference of each roller elementthere are elevations which extend from the imaginary line of the corediameter and, after an elevation which deviates further from the corediameter, lead back to it again. This is provided several times on thecircumference of a roller element. This means that the circumference ofa roller element is meander-shaped. The individual meander-shapedelevations of the respective roller elements are arranged offset to eachother, so that a “meeting” of the blade(s) is only possible at shortintervals.

The roll or the roller elements consist of a soft plastic, which alsoincludes abrasive material in a preferred design. This makes it possibleto sharpen the blade(s).

The mechanical impact of the beater elements on the blade(s) of theshaving head causes corresponding vibrations at different frequenciesand thus a movement of the blade(s) in such a way that the dirtparticles between the razor blades are loosened. The flapping motion canbe oscillating or chaotic. When using different rollers, which arearranged on a common shaft, the striking elements can be arranged offsetto each other, so that in different rhythms a striking on the heavy headtakes place. The differently generated oscillations are superimposed sothat the dirt particles are easily loosened.

The aim is to at least loosen the hairs on the razor blade or in thespace between the razor blades by moving the blade(s) so that they canbe rinsed out with water. One or more injection units directed directlyor indirectly at the razor blade then rinses out the spaces and thusalso the slightly detached dirt particles on the respective blade withwater. The injection unit is connected to a water reservoir by a pipesystem via a small pump. In order to collect the waste water generatedby the rinsing process and the dissolved dirt particles, a container isprovided which can then be replaced by the user at the appropriatefilling level.

Alternatively, the present system can also be equipped with a closedwater circuit, so that it is not necessary to refill the water tank forcleaning. The closed system has filters that clean it before furtheruse.

The cleaning process preferably runs automatically. In a specialversion, the user can decide whether a drying process should beconnected to the cleaning process.

Further formations ensure that the corresponding movements are at leastsupported by ultrasound.

Due to the high frequency, this results in an even better cleaningeffect, which in turn means that even less water is required for therinsing process.

Another further formation provides that also a disinfection takes place.By adding a further nozzle, it is foreseen that the appropriatedisinfectant will be dispensed via the razor blades after the cleaningprocess, so that the corresponding formation of bacteria during storageis prevented. A suitable reservoir is also provided for this purpose,from which the appropriate liquid is then supplied via a small pump.Disinfection can preferably take place via cartridges that can beinserted into the device. This ensures easy handling. If commerciallyavailable cleaning cartridges are used, cost-effective production ispossible. As a further formation, it is planned that a combination ofcleaning and disinfecting agents will also be used. It is feasible thatthe processes are either single-stage or two-stage. This means thateither because of the detergent and disinfectant a single process, or ifdetergent and disinfectant are separate, two processes for cleaning anddisinfection take place. Thus, a detergent and/or disinfectant ispresent, which is stored in a carriage, which can be removed from thecleaning device and used, for the corresponding output.

Another further formation includes the provision of an ultraviolet lampin addition to or as an alternative to the aforementioned means.Preferably such a UV light is intended, which prevents also the bacteriaformation between the razor blades, so that it is not necessary to usean appropriate disinfectant as spray liquid.

The entire device is to be considered as a self-sufficient system. A,preferably, rechargeable power supply unit ensures that the relevantprocesses, such as beating, spraying, etc., are carried outautomatically. These can either be activated by appropriate actuatingelements, such as a switch, or a contact can be made by placing theshaving head in the contact area of the cleaning unit, so that thecleaning process then runs without the user having to take any furthersteps.

An alternative design provides for the device to be attached to a showerbar or to a washbasin. This in turn has the advantage that it is notabsolutely necessary for the device to have a collection container forthe waste water, as this can flow directly into the drain of the showeror washbasin.

The wet-shave razor should, preferably, be cleaned in an almost closedroom, so that the surroundings of the device are not affected in anyway. The device will pick up the appropriate spray liquids.

The device itself has a modular design. This means that first the basichousing with the water storage container and the integrated storage andcleaning unit with the corresponding power supply is provided as a basicmodel. This also has the advantage that the storage and cleaning device(consisting of the roller(s) as well as the storage of the rollers andpossibly also the integrated storage) can be replaced as an assembly, sothat an easy replacement is possible in case of wear by the user of thedevice. Alternatively, part of this assembly can also be the filterelement necessary for a closed circuit. This means that all partssubject to wear and tear of the cleaning device can be replaced in asingle operation.

The power supply itself can be designed in different ways. On the onehand, it is planned to be able to use the device with batteries orrechargeable batteries. Alternatively, the power supply can betransmitted to the device via a network part. The basic idea is tooperate the device preferably in the low-voltage range.

The other advantageous configurations can then be added by themanufacturer as additives and optionally depending on the correspondingapplication. Preferably, the fixture already has appropriate mountingdevices so that the fixture can be assembled in a modular system.

All the versions described above can optionally be combined with adevice for sharpening the razor blades. This can be done either by thestorage and cleaning unit itself or by another part of the sharpeningdevice, such as leather, fabric or a polymer. There may also beprovision for means for straightening the razor blades.

A mirror may also be present as an integral part of the device. Thismakes it possible to install the device in a shower or bath so thatshaving can take place directly on site in the area of the device. Inorder to prevent the mirror from fogging up, it is intended to apply ananti-fog coating to the mirror. Alternatively, a fan can also beprovided in the device, which preferably flows air to both the cleanedrazor and the mirror at the same time to prevent fogging of the mirrorand to dry the cleaned razor.

Further advantageous designs can be found in the following description,the drawings and the claims.

FIGURES

The following represent:

FIG. 1 A perspective view of a first design example of a cleaningdevice;

FIG. 2 Another perspective view of the design example according to FIG.1;

FIG. 3 A cut through the cleaning device in accordance with FIG. 1,along line V in accordance with FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 A cut through the cleaning device in accordance with FIG. 1,along line IV in accordance with FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 A cut through the cleaning device in accordance with FIG. 1,along line III in accordance with FIG. 1;

FIG. 6[A] A perspective view of the design example in accordance withFIG. 1, but with the cover element open to show the beater element;

FIG. 6[B] A perspective enlarged illustration of the beater element inaccordance with FIG. 6[B];

FIG. 7 A perspective view of the cleaning device, but with analternative design of a roller;

FIG. 8 A perspective view of an assembly for insertion into the housingof the cleaning device, consisting of a roller, partial drive and filterelement;

FIG. 9 A rearward perspective view of the design example in accordancewith FIG. 1, but with another cover element open to show the dryingventilation;

FIG. 10 A perspective view of the design example in accordance with FIG.1, but with the wet razor in place;

FIG. 11. A first example of a possible mounting of the design examplewith a mirror on a wall using a suction cup;

FIG. 12 A further example of a possible mounting of the design examplewith a mirror on a wall using a clamp element.

DESCRIPTION OF A DESIGN EXAMPLE

FIGS. 1 to 10 show an example of a cleaning device 1. The cleaningdevice 1 is used to pick up and clean a wet-shave razor N (FIG. 10-12).

The wet-shave razor N described consists of a handle element N1 and ashaving head N2 arranged on the hand grip element. The shaving head N2in turn comprises at least one blade N3 for cutting the beardhairs/hairs.

The cleaning device 1 consists of a housing 3 and a power supply unit 4.The housing 3 has side walls 5 and an opening 6 into which the wet razorintended for cleaning can be inserted. The opening 6 is dimensioned sothat at least the shaving head N2 can be inserted. This opening 6 can beclosed by a cover element. A window 2 gives the possibility to monitorthe shearing head during the cleaning process. This inspection window 2is located above the cleaning device 10.

For cleaning, a water reservoir 7 is provided, which is also locatedinside the housing 3. An unspecified pipe system connects the water tank7 with a spraying device directed at the shaving head of the wet razorto be cleaned. This spraying device may comprise one or more jets ofwater.

The cleaning device 1 also includes a support and cleaning device 10. Itcomprises a support 9 for receiving the N2 shaving head of the wet razorN and one or more rollers 11 arranged on a common axis 12. The rollers11 are externally driven. Preferably a transmission belt 13 is providedwhich is powered by a motor 14. This sets axis 12 in rotation withroller 11/roller 11. The beater elements 15 are arranged at thecircumference of the rollers 11. These beater elements 15 have aflap-like design. This means that these protrude radially from thecircumference of roll 11 and are undetachably arranged with one side onthe circumference of roll 11. The remaining part of the beater element15 is freely movable. The length of the freely movable part isdimensioned in such a way that it extends to the support 9 and thusreaches the shearing head N2, which rests on the support 9, by rotatingthe roll 11/roll 11.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an alternative design of roller 11. The beaterelements 15 are formed in such a way that the circumference of therespective roller 11 is wave-shaped. The wavy design extendsperpendicular to the axis 12. A special design provides that the beaterelements 15 of the respective rollers 11 are arranged offset to eachother. Alternatively, the body of the roll 11 and the percussion element15 can also be made of different materials.

To carry out the cleaning process, the wet-shave razor N is insertedinto the opening 6 in such a way that the shaving head N2 comes intocontact with the support 9 of the support and cleaning device 10. Therotation of the rollers 11 is started by the support of the wet-shaverazor N. As a result, the beater elements 15 reach the blades N3 of theshearing head N2 in rhythm or chaotically. This beater causes the bladeN3 to vibrate and at least slightly loosens sticky hairs. A water jetdirected at the blades N3 supports the loosening process and washes awaythe dirt particles from the blade N3. Thus the blade N3 or the shavinghead N2 is cleaned.

The flushed out liquid then drains through the sewer into an unspecifiedcontainer for the collection of the corresponding waste water.Alternatively, a closed water circulation system can also be provided.

The rinsing process described above can be carried out in differentways. On one hand, it is possible for a continuous water jet to takeplace via the spraying device. In order to cover the entire width of theblade, the jet of the spraying device is intended to be broadlydiversified, to encompass several water jets or to be oscillating in oneor more water jets. This can be electrically controlled. On the otherhand it is possible that the water jet exits the nozzle pulsating. Dueto the associated impulse, a higher cleaning power can be achieved. Inaddition, the last described design can save water.

A further formation that in addition—either via the same spraying deviceor a further outlet—air is given to the shearing head or the blades andthe spaces between them. The air can be discharged either in batches tothe water jet or after the water has been cleaned. The air itself exitseither pulsating or continuous.

The process is preferably automatic. Once the cleaning process iscomplete, the beater movements and the corresponding rinsing processend, so that the user can see that he can now remove the wet razor fromthe cleaning device again. The cleaning process is complete.

The roller 11/rollers 11 can be easily replaced. The axis 12 protrudesbeyond the longitudinal extension of the rollers 11 and can thus bebrought into the correct position in the direction of arrow 16 in aguide 14 provided in the cleaning device 1.

In FIG. 8 an alternative assembly 8 is shown. Irrespective of the designof roller 11, the entire assembly, which preferably includes all wearelements of cleaning device 1, can be removed and replaced at once. Inaddition to the roller 11, the assembly can also include a filterelement (not shown in detail) and drive elements.

In order for the cleaned wet-shave razor N to dry faster, a blowerdevice 17 is integrated in the cleaning device 1. This blower device 17can be activated via a switching element 18. A fan 19, as part of theblower 17, blows air from outlet ducts 20 against the N2 shaving head ofthe wet-shave razor N arranged from cleaning device 1.

In the design examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 a mirror 21 is provided.This is arranged in the air flow of the blower device 17 so that it isstraight in the bathroom or under the shower fog-free. Therefore theblower device 17 in such a design has a second function.

The cleaning device 1 thus makes it possible to gently clean single-usewet-shave razors as well as multi-use wet-shave razors, so that the hairinside the razor blades and the corresponding dirt are almost removed.This in turn makes it possible for single-use wet-shave razors to beused several times. Due to the modular design, it is possible to provideadditional disinfection devices or other cleaning agents.

With the cleaning device 1 a device is provided with which wet-shaverazors 2 can be cleaned in a very simple and efficient way.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST Device for Cleaning a Wet-Shave Razor

-   -   1 Cleaning device    -   2 Inspection window    -   3 Housing    -   4 Power supply unit    -   5 Side walls    -   6 Opening    -   7 Water reservoir    -   8 Assembly    -   9 Support    -   10 Support and cleaning device    -   11 Roller    -   12 Axis    -   13 Transmission belts    -   14 Conduct    -   15 Beater element    -   16 Arrow direction    -   17 Blower device    -   18 Switching element    -   19 Ventilator    -   20 Exhaust ducts    -   21 Mirror    -   N Wet-shave razor    -   N1 Hand grip element    -   N2 Shaver head    -   N3 Blades

1. Device for cleaning a single-use or multi-use wet-shave razor with ashaving head, comprising a housing and a rinsing device for rinsing outthe shaving head of the wet-shave razor, characterized in that a supportand cleaning unit with a support for the shaving head is provided insidethe housing, the supporting and cleaning unit comprising one or morerollers which are arranged on an axis and can be set in rotation in sucha way that the beater elements arranged on the circumference of theroller strike the blade/blades of the shearing head by the rotation ofthe roller. 2.-11. (canceled)
 12. Cleaning device according to claim 1characterized in that the beater elements are movable elementsprojecting from the periphery of the roller.
 13. Cleaning deviceaccording to claim 2 characterized in that the beater elements are smalllobes which are fixed firmly at one end to the roller.
 14. Cleaningdevice according to claim 1 characterized in that the beater elementsare fixed elements projecting from the circumference of the roller andformed in such a way that the circumference of the roller perpendicularto the axis is regularly or irregularly undulated.
 15. Cleaning deviceaccording to claim 1 characterized in that the rotation of the roller istriggered automatically or by an additional actuation by theintroduction of the wet razor to be cleaned into the region of thesupporting and cleaning unit, the impact movement being oscillating orchaotic.
 16. Cleaning device according to claim 1 characterized in thata nozzle is provided which is connected to a water reservoir by a pipesystem via a pump, and wherein this nozzle, directed towards theblade/blades, rinses or rinses off the spaces and/or the surfaces of theblade/blades by a water jet.
 17. Cleaning device according to claim 1characterized in that a device with a UV-light for disinfecting the wetrazor is provided inside the housing in the region of the reception ofthe shaving head.
 18. Cleaning device according to claim 1 characterizedin that the cleaning device is operated with battery or accumulator orwith water power.
 19. Cleaning device according to claim 15characterized in that the water jet which emerges from the nozzle ispulsating.
 20. Cleaning device according to claim 1 characterized inthat a cleaning agent and/or a disinfectant is provided, which is storedin a tray, which can be removed from the cleaning device and used, forthe corresponding dispensing.
 21. Cleaning device according to claim 1characterized in that, in addition, an air jet is alternately orsimultaneously emitted onto the shaving head of the wet-shave razor.